Senior officials from Taiwan and the United States have held high-level talks focused on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and drone development, underscoring the deepening economic and strategic ties between the two sides.
The discussions took place under the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, a forum launched in November 2020 during the first Trump administration. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains Taiwan’s most important international supporter and its primary arms supplier.
According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, the sixth round of the dialogue was led by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin, who is currently visiting the United States.
During the talks, both sides signed statements related to the Pax Silica Declaration, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at securing artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains, as well as broader U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on economic security.
“Taiwan is a vital partner on these and other important economic initiatives and its advanced manufacturing sector plays a key role in fuelling the AI revolution,” the State Department said.
The dialogue also covered supply chain security issues, particularly those linked to AI, along with certification of drone components and cooperation on critical minerals. Additional discussions focused on countering economic coercion, expanding joint efforts in third countries, and addressing tax-related barriers to encourage greater bilateral investment.
Taiwan, which plays a central role in producing advanced semiconductors that power AI technologies, has long advocated for an agreement to avoid double taxation, arguing it would significantly boost investment between the two economies.
Earlier this month, Taiwan and the United States reached an agreement to reduce tariffs on Taiwanese exports to the U.S. and increase Taiwanese investment in American semiconductor manufacturing and other industries.
China routinely objects to any engagement between Taiwanese and U.S. officials, insisting that Taiwan is an internal matter and a red line that Washington should not cross. Taiwan’s government has consistently rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the island’s people have the right to determine their future.
